Essay Q- Exam 1

Question 1

According to Barber, although Presidents of one character type (e.g. Active-Negative)
share the same basic personality structure, they also differ in significant ways in terms of
style and world view. Focusing on one of the four character types, explain how the
Presidents in this type display both similarities and differences.

Question 2

Barber’s typology of Presidents has come under criticism (note the George and George
critique). What aspects of the typology have been criticized

Question 3

Part of Barber’s intent is to allow his typology to be used as a way of predicting the
success or failure of Presidents. How useful is the typology as a means of predicting the
success or failure of a Presidential administration? Can we make specific predictions, or
are predictions contingent?

Question 4

Critics have suggested that there is a partisan or ideological bias in Barber’s typology;
in particular, they contend that Active-Positives seem to be disproportionately liberal,
while conservatives are concentrated in the other types. Do you believe this criticism is
valid?

Question 5

George and George’s study of Wilson has been subjected to some criticism. What
critiques are offered, and how do George and George respond to these critiques?

Question 6

Are alternative theories able to convincingly explain as much or more about Wilson’s
behavior as President than George and George’s theory, or do George and George
provide a more complete and convincing explanation of Wilson?

Question 7

The irony of George and George’s treatment of Wilson is that Presidents who have
compulsive personalities and fall into a pattern of rigidification can have significant
successes, yet seem to have an ultimate and tragic failure; indeed, the successes they do
have seem to be driven by their compulsive natures. How do George and George explain
this apparent paradox?

Question 8

. George and George’s work establishes a linkage from political behavior to
psychological behavior to early childhood experiences. Explain this linkage, and discuss
how successful they are at connecting the links.

Question 9

What are the main similarities and differences between conventional biographies and
psychobiographies

Question 10

hat are the main similarities and differences between psychoanalysts and
psychobiographers